Biotechnology and Bioethics: Examining the Role of Science in Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood

Abstract

This research paper investigates the complex relationship between biotechnology and bioethics in Margaret Atwood’s seminal novels Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood. Through a close examination of key themes, characters, and plot elements, this study illuminates Atwood’s profound exploration of the ethical implications of scientific progress. In both novels, Atwood constructs dystopian futures where biotechnological advancements have reshaped human existence, raising pressing questions about the moral responsibilities of scientists and the potential consequences of unchecked technological innovation. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from bioethics and science fiction studies, this paper scrutinises Atwood’s nuanced portrayal of genetic engineering, corporate greed, and environmental degradation, shedding light on the broader societal discourse surrounding the intersection of science and morality. By analysing the ethical dilemmas faced by characters such as Crake, Jimmy/Snowman, and the God’s Gardeners, this paper emphasises the importance of considering the ethical dimensions of scientific research and technological development. Through Atwood’s masterful storytelling, readers are challenged to critically engage with the ethical complexities of biotechnology and to reflect on the implications of scientific progress for human society and the natural world. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges posed by emerging biotechnologies and highlights the need of integrating ethical considerations into scientific practice and policy making.